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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "outstanding contractors" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "transferred into your bank account" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
  • "hundred thousand united states dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
  • "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • unofficetelexdept@yahoo.co.uk

Fraud email example:

From: "info@unofficetelexdept.co.uk" <unofficetelexdept@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:50:10 -0500
Subject: ( INTERNATIONAL FUNDS TRANSFER / AUDIT UNIT )


UNITED NATIONS
WORLD BANK ASSISTED PROGRAMME
DIRECTORATE OF INTERNATIONAL
PAYMENT AND TRANSFERS
870 UNITED NATIONS PLAZA 20-A
NEW YORK NY 10017
WIRE TRANSFER/AUDIT UNIT.


ATTN: BENEFICIARY,

UNITED NATIONS CONTRACT FUNDS REF:WB/NF/UN/XX027.

This is to acknowledge the receipt of your claim application as the
immediate contract payment from united nations your name was discovered
as
next on the list of the outstanding contractors who have not received
their
payments and we have verified the account number and it has been
confirmed
Ok today.

Following the resolution and settlement of the payment by the United
Nations in conjunction with the world bank, an irrevocable instructions
and
authorization has been given to us today to process and effect your
payment
valued at US$5.5M (Five Million Five Hundred Thousand United States
Dollars
only) due to you as the outstanding contractors without delay.

However, please be officially informed that your settlement as the
outstanding contractor valued at US$5.5MUSD is under due processing and
upon the approval of the payment we shall immediately transfer your
total
funds into your designated account and it will be confirmed in your
account
without any delay.

Therefore, be rest assured that we shall ensure that your fund is
transferred into your bank account as soon as the processing and
approvals
of the funds has been completed by us, then we shall effect the
transfer
immediately without any delay. Note that all the relevant remittance
slip
relating to this transfer will be sent to you and your banker for the
clearance of the funds with your bank.

To this end, We are pleased to inform you that we are going to effect
your
total payment through any of the following mode of payment below:

(1) SPECIAL CASH PAYMENT
(2) SWIFT/TELEGRAPHIC WIRE TRANSFER
(3) INTERNATIONAL CERTIFIED BANK DRAFT
(4) COURIER DELIVERY

Dear, You are hereby advised to choose any of the above options that
suit
you to enable this reputable office finalize and effect your payment
without any delay. Note that the funds will transfer in US Dollars.

Note that you must re-confirm the following information to me of
Probate
for final authentication and approval of your Contract fund.

(1)Your full name.
(2)Phone, fax and mobile #.
(3) Company’s name, position and address.
(4) Profession, age and marital status.
(5) Copy of int'l passport or any scanned identity to prove you.
(6) Home Equity {YES OR NO}.

Finally, as a matter of urgency you are advised to contact Rev.
Churchill
Andersonn International Audit unit, United Nations Liaison Office In
London
via e-mail: unofficetelexdept@yahoo.co.uk

Act accordingly.

I will be waiting for your urgent and prompt response.

CONGRATULATIONS.



CAPT. JAMES.C.WILLIAMS
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam